Get that ‘Jirisan’ feels without leaving the country
Hit Korean drama, “Jirisan,” has been the talk of the town recently. We might not be able to fly to South Korea being alongside Gianna Jun and Ju Ji Hoon while trekking up on Mount Jiri, but here are some mountains in the Philippines you can visit for that “Jirisan” feels—and they’re perfect for the gram, too!
Mount Daraitan, Rizal
The first one on our list is Mount Daraitan, which humbly sits in her place in Tanay, Rizal. Mount Daraitan hides herself in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and is loved by local travelers from Metro Manila with picturesque views of green forests and the Tinapak River, where you will find huge white limestone boulders and clear turquoise-colored water.
Mount Pulag, Benguet
The next one on our list is surely never to be missed whenever one talks about hiking in the Philippines. Mount Pulag stands tall at 26th place among the world’s highest peaks—as the highest point of the main island of Luzon, it is the second in the Philippines, next only to Mount Apo. Known for its cold weather, Mount Pulag’s peak also serves as the border between Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya. Once you reach the top, (which isn’t that hard to do, by the way) you’re set to see a sea of clouds or the beautiful sky above Luzon.
Mount Talinis, Negros Occidental
Mount Talinis may not be known to many who aren’t from the region, but it’s surely a unique place to visit. As she peacefully resides in Negros Occidental, she’s actually a complex volcano with the nickname “Cuernos de Negros” (translation: Horns of Negros). Negros, in this context, is referring to the place and not as the western derogatory term, by the way! Although the volcano is considered “potentially active,” it hasn’t erupted ever, but surely has attracted tourists with its cool and clear lakes for swimming and fishing.
Mount Kitanglad, Bukidnon
Mount Kitanglad, which is part of the Kitanglad Mountain Range in Bukidnon, sits firm as another volcano on our list of Instagrammable places to visit in the Philippines. This tourist destination for local hikers also serves as home for various indigenous groups such as the Talaandigs, the Higaonons, and the Bukidnon peoples. Once you get there, you’ll be greeted by thick and mossy forests with a mystique vibe. Visit as soon as possible because this is also one of the Philippines’ last remaining rainforests!
Mount Apo, Davao
We definitely wouldn’t miss this one, the grandfather of all Filipino Mountains, Mount Apo. Beyond the picturesque views and the different terrains and environments to trek on with its massive size, Mount Apo also serves as home for the Philippine Eagle, and a lot of biodiversity. As the tallest mountain in the Philippines, it’s worth visiting whether you’re a foreigner wanting to see more than just the beaches, or a proud local, who wants to see the true beauty of the Philippines.
These five places are just a few of the many wonders the country has that will make you feel like you’re in the set of “Jirisan” and even some of the other K-dramas out there. As the country continues to bounce back from the detrimental effects of the pandemic, particularly to the tourism industry, it’s just right to visit our local travel destinations while other countries have their borders closed. While visiting, make sure to clean as you go (CLAYGO) to preserve the natural beauty of these local destinations even if nobody is watching.
Don’t miss out on the next episode of Jirisan too! It airs every 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, exclusively on the iQiyi app, or iQ.com. Simulcast with South Korea worldwide.